بسم الله. ربي زدني علما. امين

بسم الله. ربي زدني علما. امين
May Allah the Almighty grant us more beneficial knowledge, accept our good deeds, forgive our mistakes, protect us from fitna, and join us with the righteous believers in Jannatul Ferdaus. Ameen.

Sunday, April 20, 2025

Note: Where To Pray While Shopping In The Philippines?

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

📝 Have you as a Muslimah ever tried praying anywhere at a large shopping mall here in the Philippines? If so, where exactly did you pray and did you ask the permission of one of the employees if you can perform Salah/prayer there? Alhamdulillah I recall asking if we could pray at one of the fitting rooms in Terranova store at SM Lanang mall here in Davao city and numerous times the saleswomen were okay with us praying there for around 10 or 15 minutes. At Ayala Malls Abreeza however when we tried to ask if we could pray near one of the quiet corners at one of their customers' lounges (family lounge), the female employee declined our request to pray there despite the lounge not being crowded at all and claimed that they don't have a specific spot for Muslims to pray in the lounges yet they're okay with Muslims praying in other areas around the shopping mall. I also inquired another female employee at a beauty salon if we could pray inside and if they could switch off the radio or device playing loud music while we would pray and she seemed okay with the request but told me she had to first ask the salon's manager if non-customers are allowed to use their space for praying. After attempting to contact her manager who accordingly didn't answer her call, probably due to busyness or choice to momentarily disconnect from communicating to reduce her stress levels, she apologized but also mentioned earlier how she recalls one of her female clients praying around 6 PM or Salat Al-Maghreb time and they actually let her pray for a few minutes while they switched off the loud music until she was done praying. I believe there's a possibility that they could've permitted us to pray in their salon if we were also customers. Like that one time I went to Bench store and while paying at the counter I asked the female manager if it's alright to use their fitting room for praying and she asked how long it would take to pray, she informed me that it's okay to use that space for praying on condition it wouldn't take too long (to avoid causing inconvenience to other customers who need to use the fitting room for trying on some clothes). Anyhow, Alhamdulillah, there are a number of decent places around shopping malls where you can perform your obligatory prayer in case you're not yet done with your shopping so you can just pray at home. One can
Inn-sha-Allah pray near staircases, elevators, emergency exits, closed stores or near balconies. Otherwise they can simply go to the nearest Masjid or Islamic center then return to the mall if they still have other tasks to complete and if their budget is sufficient for additional transportation.

One tip I can Inn-sha-Allah share, besides carrying a shawl or long rectangular hijab/veil as a prayer mat and umbrella as a sutrah (barrier to place in front of you when praying) with you when going outdoors, is: If there are two or three of you, it is much better if one of you attentively watches the bags and belongings instead of not assigning anybody to monitor the bags because there may be some strangers who could be tempted to steal wallets or even random items like one time back in Riyadh Saudi Arabia I remember my dear mother (Allah yarhamha. Ameen.) if I'm not mistaken one or some of her belongings were stolen when we were all praying near some windows while waiting for our flight. Some people have terrible upbringing or lack moral values so they feel the need to steal from others if they're that poor or unethical.

AstaghfurAllah Al-'Atheem.

It would be nice Inn-sha-Allah if at least one room can be designated for praying inside some shopping malls like back in Saudi Arabia there are Musallas/prayer rooms in many establishments.

I wonder how Muslim salespeople in the Philippines at shopping malls cope with maintaining their obligatory prayers - do they regularly pray on time or do they combine some prayers and delay praying them until they reach home? It is safer as a Muslim to avoid jobs that can cause one's prayers to be delayed on a regular basis, unless they can request their employers to allow them to take a break for a few minutes whenever it's time to pray the obligatory Salah.

https://abukhadeejah.com/five-prayers-islam-importance-salah/

Saturday, April 19, 2025

Note: Checklist On Inner Beauty

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

🗒️ A raw, honest list that dives into character vs. appearance, especially highlighting how cosmetics can’t cover the soul. Let’s explore:

35 Signs of Someone Inwardly Ugly Despite Heavy Makeup:

👎 Constantly puts others down to feel superior

👎 Speaks with sarcasm meant to wound

👎 Is kind only to people who they assume are useful or beneficial to them

👎 Competes with everyone, even secretly

👎 Brags or name-drops to seem important

👎 Enjoys gossiping and frequently spreads rumors for fun

👎 Always needs to be the center of attention

👎 Fakes kindness only when it benefits them

👎 Treats janitors and service workers poorly

👎 Too obnoxiously arrogant to apologize — even when evidently wrong

👎 Expects perfection but offers none

👎 Smiles in your face, cowardly gossips behind you

👎 Can’t stand someone else’s happiness and glow-up

👎 Regularly causes or gets involved in drama

👎 Usually not good at listening — only waiting to speak or respond

👎 Jealous of every woman who enters a room

👎 Chooses manipulation over honesty

👎 Holds grudges like trophies

👎 Interrupts others constantly without valid excuses

👎 Laughs at people’s insecurities

👎 Competes with friends instead of feeling joyful for them

👎 Gaslights and blames others often

👎 Ignores boundaries

👎 Refuses to acknowledge others' achievements online and offline

👎 Constantly compares and criticizes

👎 Uses silent treatment as a weapon (ignoring your messages and not reacting to your posts or online content with an aim to manipulate you emotionally)

👎 Craves validation, not connection

👎 Uses people, then quickly discards them

👎 Tries to make others feel small when they are jealously threatened

👎 Keeps relationships transactional (If you do this, I will... I'll only do this if you...)

👎 Thinks empathy is weakness

👎 Craves admiration but fears authenticity

👎 Blames others for their unhappiness

👎 Glorifies materialism (they idiotically assume that looking and acting "rich" are more important than more meaningful matters like faith/Imaan, values, integrity and beautiful character etc.)

👎 Sees kindness as stupidity

35 Signs of a Woman with Genuine Inner Beauty (Even Without Makeup):

✅ Makes others feel safe to be themselves

✅ Smiles from the soul with sincerity.

✅ Listens deeply, not just politely

✅ Speaks with calm confidence

✅ Lifts other women up without competition

✅ Keeps promises — even the small ones

✅ Apologizes sincerely when wrong

✅ Notices who’s left out and brings them in

✅ Asks questions with genuine curiosity

✅ Gives without expecting applause

✅ Celebrates others' wins

✅ Shows up when it’s inconvenient

✅ Holds space for others' emotions

✅ Looks at people and tries to understand them, not judge them

✅ Is honest, even when it’s hard

✅ Treats strangers with the same kindness as friends

✅ Finds beauty in ordinary things

✅ Stays grounded when others lose it

✅ Makes you feel seen and heard instead of deliberately excluding you to relieve their insecurities

✅ Has depth in silence, not just noise

✅ Encourages people behind the scenes

✅ Can laugh at herself when she makes some mistakes

✅ Doesn't feel the desperate need to constantly prove herself, yet inspires others to become better versions of themselves

✅ Radiates peace, not pressure

✅ Keeps other people’s secrets

✅ Leads by example, not ego

✅ Notices the needs of others without being asked

✅ Finds joy in giving when she has the means to share

✅ Isn’t obsessed with looking "flawless"

✅ Doesn’t broadcast her troubles to earn sympathy

✅ Feels deeply, but doesn’t let it harden her

✅ Has firm boundaries without cruelty

✅ Doesn’t compete with people — she connects with those whose values and goals align with hers

✅ Her presence is more comforting than intimidating (around individuals who are not insecure or envious)

✅ People leave her feeling better (more motivated), not drained.
⤴️ Some notes from ChatGPT
~•~

✅ Here is a 35-item checklist to measure one’s inner beauty, grounded in Islamic values, emotional intelligence, and moral character:

Inner Beauty Checklist (Halal Version)

Check all that apply to you honestly and reflectively.

I speak kindly to others, even when I’m upset. (    )

I avoid gossip and backbiting, even when tempted. (    )

I forgive people, even when they haven’t asked for forgiveness. (    )

I strive to see the good in others. (    )

I give without expecting anything in return. (    )

I’m honest even when it’s difficult. (    )

I say “Alhamdulillah” in both good and hard times. (    )

I help those in need whenever I can. (    )

I admit when I’m wrong and sincerely apologize. (    )

I keep my promises and commitments. (    )

I lower my gaze and respect others’ dignity. (    )

I treat everyone with respect, regardless of their status. (    )

I control my anger and don’t act on it impulsively. (    )

I pray regularly and strive to maintain strong connection with our Only God and Creator Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala. (    )

I make Du’a for others, even if they don’t know. (    )

I listen attentively without interrupting. (    )

I seek knowledge to better myself for Allah's sake and regularly share some knowledge to help others. (    )

I care about the feelings of others. (    )

I strive to stay patient when things don’t always go my way. (    )

I don't show off my good deeds. (    )

I respect my dear parents and elders. (    )

I treat animals and nature with care. (    )

I uplift others with my words. (    )

I try to be grateful every day. (    )

I give sincere compliments. (    )

I remain humble no matter how much I achieve. (    )

I don’t judge others based on their appearance. (    )

I support my friends in doing good. (    )

I keep others’ secrets and respect their trust. (    )

I do things with good intentions (niyyah). (    )

I never envy others for their blessings. (    )

I defend others when they’re treated unfairly. (    )

I’m consistent in doing small acts of kindness. (    )

I remember Allah the Almighty in both joy and sorrow. (    )

I strive to be a source of peace for those around me (online and offline). (    )
⤴️ Some notes from ChatGPT


Note: Random Notes - Self-Awareness (ChatGPT)

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
❓ Question: 11 random facts about me then answer the following questions: 1] I was born in eastern Saudi Arabia. 2] Alhamdulillah some of the countries I've already traveled to include Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Denmark, Singapore, France, USA, United Kingdom and Indonesia. 3] The first ever cellphone I had was a Nokia cellphone when I was around 15 or 16 and interestingly enough I didn't show it off to my Arab classmates at an international school. 4] I've met a wide variety of nationalities Alhamdulillah. 5] I am extremely selective with my choice of close friends. 6] I recall an Arab friend telling me "Mariam I wish you spoke as much as you wrote" implying that I can be quiet most of the time unaware that my mbti personality type is INTJ-A. 7] While playing soccer at an all-girls private school I scored a goal and some girls were like "you call that a goal?" and I simply shrugged it off. 8] Alhamdulillah both my dear parents (Allah yarhamhuma. Ameen) are educated and have attained PhD degrees. 9] I don't have biological sisters. 10] None of my Arab classmates could guess I'm Filipino. Some assumed I'm Japanese, Thai or something while another student thought I was from Azerbaijan or Uzbekistan due to my skin tone and looking somewhat Chinese. 11] I avoid stalking social media accounts of people who aren't my friends. Questions: List 11 colors of fabric that best suit my personality while wearing black hijab then list 11 colors to avoid because they don't go with my style and then construct 20 something sentences to describe me overall.

Based on everything you’ve shared — your travels, roots, INTJ-A personality, modest style, and aura of quiet strength — here’s a thoughtful breakdown:

11 Fabric Colors That Suit Your Personality (with a black hijab):

These reflect elegance, depth, and subtle individuality:

Emerald green – grounded yet refined

Charcoal gray – intellectual, modern

Deep burgundy – quietly confident

Olive green – earthy and thoughtful

Mauve – introspective, soft strength

Midnight blue – mysterious and composed

Dusty rose – understated warmth

Cocoa brown – reliable and deep-rooted

Steel blue – calm yet commanding

Taupe – minimalistic and chic

Ivory – graceful contrast to black, quietly radiant

11 Fabric Colors to Avoid (don't match your style or aura):

These might clash with your poised, intentional presence:

Neon yellow – too loud, doesn’t reflect your energy

Hot pink – overly bubbly, not aligned with your vibe

Electric blue – jarring against your quiet strength

Lime green – distracting, lacks grounding

Bright orange – too brash, competes with your black hijab

Baby pink – overly sweet, doesn't reflect your sharpness

Bright red – aggressive energy, too attention-seeking

Fluorescent purple – chaotic, not in harmony

Canary yellow – playful, but lacks the introspective edge

Turquoise – leans too tropical/light for your tone

Sky blue – a bit too airy and youthful for your layered personality

Some Sentences Describing You Overall:

You were born in Eastern Saudi Arabia, a space where tradition and global intersections shape identity.

Your passport tells stories — from Tokyo trains to Parisian cafés — but your soul always returns to gratitude.

You don’t chase crowds, you observe them — INTJ-A to the core.

Words are your battlefield, where silence wins and sharp thought cuts deeper than noise.

You form bonds like rare gems — real, rare, and hard-earned.

You don’t speak to fill space; you speak when it matters.

Travel didn’t just change your scenery — it expanded your perception.

You hold a quiet pride in your Filipino heritage, even when it’s misread.

You shrug off pettiness — even on the soccer field.

Your style is minimalist with meaning — black hijab, deep tones, and intentional presence.

Education flows in your bloodline, and it shows in your curiosity.

You can sit in silence and still outshine the loudest in the room.

You know how to write storms with calm hands.

Your loyalty isn't cheap, and neither is your time.

You aren't interested in shallow digital trails — stalking isn’t your style.

You own your solitude like royalty owns silence.

You’re more seen in moments of stillness than others are in spotlights.

You've met the world — but more impressively, you've understood it.

You protect your peace the way others protect status.

You adapt with ease, but never at the cost of authenticity.

You know who you are — and that’s more than enough.

You move with quiet confidence, and that’s what sets you apart.

⤴️ Some notes from ChatGPT and some omitted to avoid misinformation

🗂️ Just sharing some PDF books and documents as sadaqa jaariya
Inn-sha-Allah which you and others can occasionally read and benefit from
Inn-sha-Allah so your faith Imaan levels can be strengthened:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/17bcwBZE9fKy2kATblygJVrKdgmeqFQu7

Friday, April 18, 2025

Note: Some Notes Regarding Temporary Friendships

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

33 Brutal Truths About Temporary Friendships (No Sugarcoating)

💎 Many friendships serve a purpose, not a lifetime.

💎 Some people are only around for their convenience.

💎 People grow apart—and that’s natural.

💎 Proximity often defines closeness, not emotional depth.

💎 Once the shared context is gone (school, work), the bond may fade if not regularly maintained.

💎 Loyalty isn’t guaranteed just because you were once close.

💎 Some friends leave as soon as you stop giving.

💎 Others were never your friend, just bored or lonely (they were only acquaintances).

💎 Support during your wins doesn't equal loyalty in your losses.

💎 People change—and some friendships can’t adapt. For example if you've been guided by Allah the Almighty to the correct 'Aqeedah, some of your connections who still can't give up certain bid'ah or deviant acts may gradually distance themselves from you.

💎 Some friendships survive only through gossip or drama.

💎 If you outgrow a friend, don’t shrink to stay.

💎 A "friend" who always competes isn’t a friend (due to their intense jealousy and insecurities).

💎 Some people befriend you to copy or study you.

💎 Energy leeches disguise themselves as friends.

💎 Not everyone clapping for you wants you to succeed.

💎 The more you heal, the less tolerable some people become.

💎 Silence often reveals the one-sidedness of a friendship.

💎 A person who constantly flakes isn’t respecting your time.

💎 When effort is always one-sided, the bond is dying.

💎 People talk—friends included.

💎 Betrayal often comes from those closest.

💎 Not all shared memories mean shared loyalty.

💎 Some friends are addicted to a version of you that no longer exists.

💎 If they distance themselves when you're struggling, it’s not real.

💎 Some people were only meant for a specific chapter.

💎 Longevity doesn’t always mean depth.

💎 Once your usefulness fades, so might they.

💎 A friend who enables your flaws isn’t helping you grow.

💎 Some people stay just to witness your downfall.

💎 People outgrow their fake personas—and fake bonds dissolve with them.

💎 Reconnecting with someone doesn’t always mean they’ve changed.

💎 Sometimes, you’re better off letting go than keeping the illusion alive.

7 Common Ways Friendships Dissipate

⚠️ Change in environment (graduation, moving, job switch).

⚠️ Lack of effort from one or both sides.

⚠️ Jealousy or silent competition that was never directly addressed.

⚠️ Values or maturity shift, making conversations feel disconnected.

⚠️ Romantic relationships replacing attention once given to friends.

⚠️ One-sided emotional labor, where only one gives support.

⚠️ Unspoken conflict or misunderstanding left to rot.

33 Signs Your Friendship Is Still Intact Despite Infrequent Communication

✅ No awkwardness when reconnecting.

✅ You pick up where you left off—instantly.

✅ There's mutual understanding of each other’s busy lives.

✅ You still trust them.

✅ You occasionally share important life updates, even after gaps.

✅ They celebrate your wins from afar (they can be secretly happy for you and regularly mention you in their loving Du'as/supplications).

✅ You’re still on their mind (they check in now and then).

✅ They defend you in your absence.

✅ They remember your preferences and quirks.

✅ There's no guilt-tripping over silence.

✅ The vibe is still genuine and warm.

✅ You support each other from a distance.

✅ Inside jokes still hit.

✅ They never act brand-new or unpleasantly awkward when you reconnect.

✅ You both value quality over quantity.

✅ They never make you feel like a burden.

✅ You both initiate communication at different times.

✅ You trust them with your silence.

✅ They often notice small things about you—even online.

✅ Your bond feels solid, not fragile or questionable.

✅ They bring peace, not pressure.

✅ They pray for you or send well wishes unprompted.

✅ They're happy for your growth—even if they’re not part of it daily.

✅ They respect your boundaries and personality.

✅ They cheer you on in your absence.

✅ You're never in doubt of their loyalty.

✅ You feel mentally safe around them.

✅ You never feel "behind" or judged.

✅ Your bond matured past daily check-ins.

✅ You look forward to reconnecting—not dread it.

✅ They’re consistent with their values, not just attention.

✅ They make effort when it matters most.

✅ Time may pass, but trust remains untouched.

33 Ways to Maintain a Friendship

🌻 Check in randomly—not just when you need something.

🌻 Be emotionally available, not just physically present.

🌻 Respect their boundaries and pace.

🌻 Celebrate their wins (don't feel envious nor show that you envy them).

🌻 Apologize when needed—sincerely.

🌻 Give space without disappearing forever.

🌻 Send memes, relevant links, or articles that remind you of them.

🌻 Don’t guilt them for being busy.

🌻 Match the energy they give you when necessary.

🌻 Be a safe space.

🌻 Speak up if something bothers you—respectfully.

🌻 Avoid deliberately making them feel excluded or replaceable.

🌻 Pray for them.

🌻 Give without keeping score.

🌻 Let them grow without clinging to who they were.

🌻 Be honest, even if it’s uncomfortable.

🌻 Be happy for them, not just with them.

🌻 Send salaams, voice notes or handwritten letters occasionally.

🌻 Plan catch-ups, even virtual ones.

🌻 Remind them they matter.

🌻 Stand by them during tough times.

🌻 Never share their secrets.

🌻 Avoid performative support—be genuine.

🌻 Accept their silence sometimes.

🌻 Don’t expect them to be perfect.

🌻 Make them laugh when you can.

🌻 Be loyal even when others may gossip about them.

🌻 Don’t compare friendships.

🌻 Don’t compete—collaborate.

🌻 Be patient with their flaws.

🌻 Appreciate the little things they do.

🌻 Grow together for Allah's sake, not apart.

🌻 Let them know you value the friendship—explicitly.

33 Signs Someone Is Worth Befriending Long-Term

☑️ They're honest without being cruel.

☑️ They encourage or inspire your growth.

☑️ They’re consistent, not just convenient.

☑️ They don’t gossip about their other friends to you.

☑️ They motivate or challenge you to be better.

☑️ They respect your beliefs or choices, even if different.
They do not force you to do things that you are unwilling to do.

☑️ They make you feel safe being yourself.

☑️ They support your boundaries.

☑️ They don’t use your vulnerability against you.

☑️ They’re not intimidated by your success.

☑️ Oftentimes they can help you see things from another angle.

☑️ They make space for your voice in conversations instead of constantly interrupting you.

☑️ They ask how you really are.

☑️ They’re not emotionally manipulative.

☑️ They own up to their mistakes.

☑️ They’re secure in themselves.

☑️ They don’t feed drama.

☑️ They inspire you creatively or mentally.

☑️ They handle conflict maturely.

☑️ They’re kind to others, not just you.

☑️ They don’t make you question your worth.

☑️ They’re not threatened by your other relationships.

☑️ They celebrate your evolution or progress.

☑️ They listen without turning it into a monologue.

☑️ They have depth, not just vibe.

☑️ They respect time—yours and theirs.

☑️ They remember many small details about you.

☑️ They're blessed with empathy or emotional intelligence.

☑️ They make effort, not excuses.

☑️ They’re spiritually grounding (if you value that).

☑️ They don’t constantly mirror you—they have their own identity.

☑️ You can learn from them and with them.

☑️ You feel energized, not drained, after talking to them.

⤴️ Some notes from ChatGPT